PSG’s Adrien Rabiot was a reported summer transfer target for Arsenal.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger pulled out of a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s highly-rated youngster Adrien Rabiot, according to French news outlet Le Parisien.
The report claims that the 21-year-old midfielder was high on Wenger’s wanted list, but the Frenchman pulled out of a move to sign him because of his close relationship with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelafi – who wanted to keep the player at the Parc des Princes.
PSG’s Adrien Rabiot during training
Le Parisien claim that Rabiot’s representatives were keen to push a move to the Emirates through, but Wenger was wary of jeopardising his relationship with Al-Khelafi, and decided against signing the France under-21 star.
On the face of it, it would have seemed a strange signing for the Gunners to make, considering the strength in depth that they possess in the central midfield area.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Adrien Rabiot in action with Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Such is their strength in that department, they could afford to send Jack Wilshere to Bournemouth on a season-long loan.
Rabiot is incredibly talented, however, and given his age, he will surely be one that Wenger and Arsenal will closely monitor over the next few transfer windows.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during the press conference
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